Homily from Sunday, August 24, 2025

Fr. Joe Detwiler

In this week’s homily, Fr. Joe challenges us to go deeper than being a “Facebook friend” of Jesus. Our faith cannot be a shallow connection with no real commitment — it must be a transforming relationship that changes how we live. The gate to heaven is narrow, and Jesus desires more than a casual click of “like.” He longs for us to truly know Him, walk with Him, and allow His love to shape our lives.

Reflection Questions with Accompaniment Connections

1. How do I sometimes treat my faith like a “Facebook friendship” — keeping it shallow or surface-level?
Accompaniment Connection: This week, identify one area of your spiritual life where you’ve been casual or passive, and commit to one simple step of growth (e.g., adding 5 minutes of daily prayer, going to weekday Mass, or turning off social media to read Scripture).

2. What does a deeper relationship with Jesus look like in my daily life, beyond just “liking” Him?
Accompaniment Connection: Choose one action that requires effort and risk in your discipleship — such as volunteering, sharing your faith with a friend, or going to confession — and follow through this week.

3. When trials or suffering come, do I lean on my relationship with Jesus, or do I try to go it alone?
Accompaniment Connection: Reach out to someone in your life who may be carrying a burden and offer to pray with them. Walking with another person in faith will also deepen your own relationship with Christ.

4. How does the truth that “the gate to heaven is narrow” challenge me to examine the way I’m living right now?
Accompaniment Connection: Do an honest examination of conscience this week and ask Jesus to help you recognize what needs to change in order to live more fully as His disciple.

5. [Heart of the Homily] Do I want to simply be a Facebook friend of Jesus — or do I want to truly know Him and be known by Him?
Accompaniment Connection: Spend intentional time with Jesus this week in Eucharistic Adoration or quiet prayer, asking Him to deepen your relationship. Make it personal, not casual.